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DOI: 10.15507/2658-4123.035.202503.573-588

 

Performance Studies of Photovoltaic Air Collector with Aluminum Foam Fins

 

Monaem Elmnifi
Postgraduate Student in Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Belgorod State Technological University named after V. G. Shukhov (46 Kostyukova St., Belgorod 308012, Russian Federation), Lecturer, Bright Star University (Coastal Road St., Brega 00218, Libya), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4074-1877, Scopus ID: 57218518354, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tatyana А. Duyun
Dr.Sci. (Eng.), Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Belgorod State Technological University named after V. G. Shukhov (46 Kostyukova St., Belgorod 308012, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8407-0628, Researcher ID: B­5376­2016, Scopus ID: 6504101719, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Abstract
Introduction. Photovoltaic thermal collectors are a promising technology capable of generating electricity and recovering heat energy. However, the operating temperatures of photovoltaic cells are typically too high for efficient operation. One way to mitigate this problem is to use phase materials and conductive structures as an approach to improving thermal regulation and overall efficiency.
Aim of the Study. This paper aims to evaluate the suitability of aluminum foam fins and phase materials in improving the performance of an air-cooled photovoltaic collector and, more importantly, the impact of these materials on thermal and electrical yields. An aluminum foam frame was fabricated and placed on the back of a solar panel to serve as a heat dissipation medium.
Materials and Methods. To ensure consistency in experimental tests, experimental tests were conducted under both summer and winter operating conditions, and performance parameters were tested and compared with available studies to determine reliability.br /> Results. The results revealed that the overall performance of the photovoltaic thermal collector ranged from 43.07 to 50.35% in summer and from 47.94 to 51.53% in winter. These results demonstrate that the incorporation of aluminum foam fins has a significant impact on thermal management and energy conversion efficiency compared to conventional photovoltaic thermal systems.
Discussion and Conclusion. In summary, this study demonstrates that photovoltaic thermal air collectors with phased materials represent a practical and effective approach to renewable energy practices, offering improved operational stability and increased energy production. The study also demonstrates the potential of hybrid photovoltaic thermal systems as a platform for sustainable energy development.

Keywords: photovoltaic thermal collector, diverse climate, energy efficiency, renewable solution

Acknowledgments: The authors are grateful to the anonymous reviewers whose objective comments contributed to the quality of the article.

Conflict of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

For citation: Elmnifi M., Duyun T.A. Performance Studies of Photovoltaic Air Collector with Aluminum Foam Fins. Engineering Technologies and Systems. 2025;35(3):573–588. https://doi.org/10.15507/2658-4123.035.202503.573-588

Authors contribution:
M. Elmnifi – formulation of the research concept; developing or designing methodology; conducting the study, specifically performing the experiments or collecting the data; preparing and presenting the manuscript, specifically visualizing and presenting data.
Т. А. Duyun – formulating the study aims and objectives; conducting the study, specifically performing the experiments or collecting the data; preparing and presenting the manuscript, specifically writing the initial draft.

All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 03.03.2025;
revised 16.05.2025;
accepted 04.06.2025

 

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